ABVP urges NCERT to keep RIE's PM SHRI school, opposes Kendriya Vidyalaya conversion
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organisation, has submitted a memorandum to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) opposing a proposal to convert the PM SHRI Experimental School at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Mysuru, into a Kendriya Vidyalaya.
The memorandum was handed over to the NCERT Director through the RIE Principal. The ABVP has urged the authorities to reconsider the proposal, saying it would undermine the school's core academic purpose.
The PM SHRI Experimental School functions as a laboratory for teacher training and innovation. It is used for demonstrating new teaching methods, conducting educational experiments, and supporting research activities. According to the ABVP, converting this school into a Kendriya Vidyalaya would disrupt these functions and compromise the institute's academic objectives.
The organisation pointed out that Mysuru already has a Kendriya Vidyalaya. It expressed willingness to support the establishment of an additional Kendriya Vidyalaya, but at a separate and suitable location, not on the RIE campus.
Speaking on behalf of the ABVP, Mysuru district convener Nandan Kumar H. urged the authorities to immediately reconsider the proposal, keeping in mind the RIE's academic environment, the purpose of the experimental school, and the interests of students.
The ABVP also warned that if the authorities fail to respond positively to its demand, it will launch a strong protest against the proposal.
The RIE Mysuru is one of the five regional institutes of education established by the NCERT. It offers teacher training programmes and conducts research in school education. The PM SHRI scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022, aims to develop schools as model institutions. The proposal to convert the experimental school into a Kendriya Vidyalaya has not been officially confirmed by the NCERT or the Ministry of Education.
The development comes amid broader discussions on strengthening central school systems in the country. While Kendriya Vidyalayas are known for providing quality education to children of central government employees, experimental schools serve a distinct purpose within teacher education frameworks. Any change in the status of such schools could have implications for teacher training programmes and educational research.
The ABVP, which is active in educational institutions across India, has a presence in Mysuru. Its opposition to the proposal reflects concerns among student groups about preserving the unique role of experimental schools in the country's education ecosystem.
The NCERT and the RIE administration have not issued a public response to the memorandum so far. Whether the authorities will reconsider the proposal remains unclear.
